RLSS UK Member and Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor, James Rankin, talks about why you should be an RLSS UK Pool Lifeguard Member.

Being an RLSS UK pool lifeguard is much more than being a part of an international recognised brand. Having completed a lot of different leisure courses, choosing to undertake the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) at the age of 16, was one of the best decisions I have made. The course itself was clear and comprehensive and equipped me with all the basic skills to ensure I felt competent and able to safely manage any given situation that may have occurred whist working as a lifeguard.

The progression as an RLSS UK lifeguard makes another appealing reason to become a RLSS UK lifeguard. Having done my NPLQ Trainer Assessor course, I can say the Trainer assessor course for the NPLQ is one of the highest quality courses I have done. It will open up a lot of doors for anyone involved in any area of sport. If you are looking at going down the management route, the National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ) is definitely the route to go. Having originally wanted to do it when it first arrived I held off to start my own business, now I have booked myself and a few of my team members on to a course in the near future.

Once achieving the NPLQ qualification, lifeguards can then join the RLSS UK and become an RLSS UK member. The benefits of this are vast, I would recommend taking up membership as joining means you can access the great support and resources open to members. They have a comprehensive website and produce a quarterly magazine crammed full of news articles, events and training opportunities. They also offer annual awards such as, Pool Lifeguard of the year and Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor of the year, recognising the skill and hard work that their lifeguards do.

Joining the RLSS UK makes it easier to keep yourself updates on new guidelines, any changes to practice and is a chance to attend events, network and meet colleagues within the industry.

It promotes innovative ideas and can help lifeguards evaluate their own practice and workplace which will help raise standards within the leisure industry. It gives lifeguards resources to use and offers opportunities to progress their career.

I would encourage all lifeguards to become members of the RLSS UK and play an active role in taking the role of lifeguards and choosing lifeguard as career choice forward.